Portable Gaming Apparatus and Methods Thereof

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a portable gaming apparatus and methods of playing a game using the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable gaming apparatus, whereby a projectile is thrown by a first user at one of numerous targets on the portable gaming apparatus. In one embodiment, a portable gaming apparatus comprises a base for supporting a target, the target having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure positioned on a backside of the target substantially surrounding each aperture, wherein the target is separable from the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/121,245, filed Dec. 10, 2008, entitled “Portable Gaming Apparatus and Methods Thereof,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a portable gaming apparatus and methods of playing a game using the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable gaming apparatus, whereby a projectile is thrown by a first user at one of numerous targets on the portable gaming apparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

Most people, young and old alike, have played outdoor games such as horseshoes, lawn darts, Frisbee toss, Wiffle ball, bean bag toss, and others. These games have been played at sporting events and backyard parties for as long as these games have been invented. Most of the games consist of a ball or some other object thrown to a target in order to score points, or just for fun. These games can be played by anyone whether they are skilled professionals or amateurs just looking for some fun. Outdoor games are a source of enjoyment and camaraderie among many people, ages, and all walks of life whether they are playing competitively or just for fun. Players in these games tend to use a variety of throwing styles to achieve their desired goals in playing these games. It is well known that many of these games take exceptional skill and practice to become proficient.

However, many of these games are very straight forward with no creativity to allow for multiple shots and varied scoring opportunities. Furthermore, most of these games focus on one target and not multiple scoring targets for added complexity and enjoyment.

Thus, there is a need for an improved portable gaming apparatus and methods of playing a game using the same.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a portable gaming apparatus and methods of playing a game using the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable gaming apparatus, whereby a projectile is thrown by a first user at one of numerous targets on the portable gaming apparatus.

In one embodiment, a portable gaming apparatus comprises a base for supporting a target, the target having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure positioned on a backside of the target substantially surrounding each aperture, wherein the target is separable from the base.

In another embodiment, a kit comprises a portable gaming apparatus comprising a base for supporting a target, the target having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure positioned on a backside of the target substantially surrounding each aperture, wherein the target is separable from the base; and a projectile, capable of fitting through at least one of the plurality of apertures.

In yet another embodiment, a method of utilizing the portable gaming apparatus comprises providing a portable gaming apparatus comprising a base for supporting a target, the target having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure positioned on a backside of the target substantially surrounding each aperture, wherein the target is separable from the base; designating each of the plurality of apertures a different value; throwing a projectile toward the target; and determining if the projectile passed through one of the plurality of apertures; allocating a value to a user's score; wherein the value allocated to the user's score comprises either the value of the aperture through which the projectile passed, or zero.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, several of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein:

FIGS. 1 a-b depict an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a-d depict an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 a-d depict an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 a-c depict an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 a-c depict an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 a-d depicts an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 10 a-m depict an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 11 a-b depict an exemplary embodiment of a portable gaming apparatus in accordance with one embodiments of the present invention

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a portable gaming apparatus and methods of playing a game using the same. FIGS. 1-11 depict exemplary embodiments of a portable gaming apparatus and methods thereof in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description pertains generally to each of the exemplary embodiments depicted in the Figures.

Generally, the portable gaming apparatus is a free standing target made of a rigid plastic or other material and standing in a base. In some embodiments, however, the target is removably positioned on a stand, which is then inserted into the base. The target may comprise any number of holes or apertures. In one embodiment, the target comprises a single aperture through the target, having a diameter set in accordance with an intended projectile to be used with the gaming apparatus.

In other embodiments, the target may comprise any number of apertures passing therethrough. As shown in some of the exemplary embodiments, each of a plurality of apertures in the target may comprise a different diameter. In many embodiments, each of the apertures may have a score or number associated with it, as discussed below. Such score or number may be correlated to the size of the diameter, or shape, of the aperture. The smaller the diameter, or the more difficult to pass an intended projective through the aperture, yields a higher score or number associated therewith.

Optionally, in several embodiments, an enclosure, e.g., a net, or other retainment means is positioned around a back side of the target to stop a projectile having passed through an aperture in the target. In one embodiment, a single retainment means is utilized across the entire back side of the target. In another embodiment, a retainment means may be positioned behind each of the apertures in the target.

The target may be connected with the base portion via any number of collapsible, retractable, separable or removable constructions, as exemplarily depicted in the Figures. Generally, embodiments of the present invention are designed to be easily transported in the truck of a vehicle, for example, such that the portable gaming apparatus may be used at tailgating events, barbeque parties, etc. As such, the portable gaming apparatus is designed to be readily dismantled or folded down, yet maintain sufficient durability when fully assembled to withstand the force of a launched projectile.

The portable gaming apparatus may also be provided with interchangeable or various types of bases. For example, in one embodiment, the portable gaming apparatus may be provided with a tripod-type, a fork-type, an easel-type, or flat weighted-type base. Each of the types of bases may be utilized and may be optimal for various playing surfaces. The tripod-type and easel-type base would be well suited for playing on a cement, dirt, or grass surface, and the selection between the two may depend on the surface roughness of the playing surface. The fork-type base is well suited for a grass playing surface, whereas the prongs of the fork may be pushed into the ground for additional support. The flat weighted-type base is well suited for a very flat, even playing surface, for example, a newly paved parking lot or a gymnasium floor.

Certain embodiments of the present invention, for example, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, may comprise a target having a spring or other resilient portion surrounding the aperture or in place of the aperture. In such an embodiment, when the target is hit in the appropriate locations by the thrown projectile, it bends backwards and then springs back or forms back into its original position.

The method of playing a game utilizing the portable gaming apparatus may be conducted in any number of plausible ways. In some embodiments, either a single or multiple portable gaming apparatuses are provided.

In one specific embodiment, used for exemplary discussion only, provides two identical portable gaming apparatuses positioned at a predetermined distance across from one another. In this exemplary method, at least one or more person will stand near each of the respective portable gaming apparatuses (distinguished herein as “proximate” and “distal” portable gaming apparatuses). A person will attempt to throw a projectile (e.g., a standard football, a Nerf® ball, a Frisbee® disc, or the like) through one of the apertures in the target of the distal portable gaming apparatus. If the projectile passes through one of the apertures, that person is awarded the respective score or number associated with that aperture. If the person fails to throw the projectile through at least one of the apertures, no score or number is awarded. After the score is awarded (or not awarded in the case of missing an aperture), the person standing near the distal portable gaming apparatus will throw the projectile towards the proximate portable gaming apparatus, in an attempt to pass the projectile through one of the apertures therethrough. Again, a score is or is not awarded to the person depending on whether the projectile passed through one of the apertures.

These steps are repeated and the scores of each respective person are accumulated until one person reaches a predetermined numerical threshold or a predetermined time period expires. The person who either reaches the predetermined numerical threshold first, or the person with a higher numerical score at the time period expiration is determined the “winner.” As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, where multiple persons desire to engage in a method of utilizing the portable gaming apparatus, the numbers of persons may be split into teams. In such an embodiment, each team would rotate through each of its individuals when throwing the projectile and the score tally would be cumulative of every person on the team.

As contemplated by embodiments of the present invention, the exact format or design of the portable gaming apparatus may comprise any number aperture configuration, any style target, any value of scoring, or the like. For example, as shown in the Figures, the target may comprise a professional football team logo, an abstract design, a basic shape, etc. Similarly, as shown in the Figures, a single aperture up to at least six apertures (though more are certainly contemplated), may be provided through the target.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. It is understood that various embodiments described herein may be utilized in combination with any other embodiment described, without departing from the scope contained herein. 

1. A portable gaming apparatus comprising: a base for supporting a target; the target having a plurality of apertures therethrough; and a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure positioned on a backside of the target substantially surrounding each aperture; wherein the target is separable from the base.
 2. The portable gaming apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stand for connecting the base to the target.
 3. The portable gaming apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stand is separable from both the base and the target.
 4. The portable gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the target comprises a substantially planar board.
 5. The portable gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of apertures comprise a substantially different size than at least one of the other of the plurality of apertures.
 6. The portable gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of enclosures comprises a woven net.
 7. The portable gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a polymeric volume for storing a weighted material.
 8. A kit comprising: a portable gaming apparatus comprising: a base for supporting a target; the target having a plurality of apertures therethrough; and a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure positioned on a backside of the target substantially surrounding each aperture; wherein the target is separable from the base; and a projectile, capable of fitting through at least one of the plurality of apertures.
 9. The kit of claim 8, further comprising a stand for connecting the base to the target.
 10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the stand is separable from both the base and the target.
 11. The kit of claim 8, wherein the target comprises a substantially planar board.
 12. The kit of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of apertures comprise a substantially different size than at least one of the other of the plurality of apertures.
 13. The kit of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of enclosures comprises a woven net.
 14. The kit of claim 8, wherein the base comprises a polymeric volume for storing a weighted material
 15. A method of utilizing the portable gaming apparatus comprising: providing a portable gaming apparatus comprising: a base for supporting a target; the target having a plurality of apertures therethrough; and a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure positioned on a backside of the target substantially surrounding each aperture; wherein the target is separable from the base; designating each of the plurality of apertures a different value; throwing a projectile toward the target; and determining if the projectile passed through one of the plurality of apertures; allocating a value to a user's score; wherein the value allocated to the user's score comprises either the value of the aperture through which the projectile passed, or zero.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising a stand for connecting the base to the target.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the target comprises a substantially planar board.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of apertures comprise a substantially different size than at least one of the other of the plurality of apertures.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of enclosures comprises a woven net.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the base comprises a polymeric volume for storing a weighted material 